The exhibition in the BCM is presented on the occasion of World Art Nouveau Day. This was first held on 10th June 2013 on the initiative of the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest. This date is the anniversary of the deaths of two important Art Nouveau architects, Antoni Gaudí (1852 – 1926) and Ödön Lechner (1845 – 1914). Lechner’s work is associated with Bratislava, as he  designed two important Art Nouveau buildings – the grammar school on Grösslingova Street and the Blue Church.

The essence of Art Nouveau lies in the decorative and applied art which is the core of this exhibition. The intention is to offer an aesthetic experience of objects which, as at the time of their creation, can also provide the viewer with an opportunity to escape from reality and be transported to the world of beautiful shapes and lines.

The World Art Nouveau Day in 2021 is dedicated to the theme of animals, the motifs of which fascinated the artists with their shapes and coloration. Some examples inspired by this theme are included at this exhibition.

In Bratislava (formerly Prešporok), Art Nouveau arrived in a more modest form and as a something of a late-comer. Its features in architecture reflect both Viennese and Budapest influences and are sometimes marked by elements of historicism and eclecticism. Despite a certain prevailing conservatism in fashion, utility and decorative objects of a variety of designs and materials in the Art Nouveau style became a part of the interiors in burgher households in Prešporok. Art Nouveau decorative motifs were sometimes deployed on postcards depicting the period atmosphere of the city, advertisements or in various other printed items.

The exhibition is installed in Apponyi House in the Rococo style in the premises of the Historical Interiors Museum.

The authors of the exhibition and curators of the collection are Marta Janovíčková and Zuzana Francová.

Exhibition of Art Nouveau in the Rococo palace, as perceived by its authors